As a first-generation practising lawyer, I can’t over-emphasize the importance of unconditional support and attention given by my family to not only my education but to my freedom of expression, i.e., my voice mattered! They believe I can achieve whatever I set my heart to, strengthening my resolve to be a lawyer from a young age.
But how many of us get that constructive support and voice? Women’s contributions and efforts must be recognised, appreciated, and unrewarded, and we are thanked on particular days in a year. Millions of stories of daily struggle and sacrifice of women go unnoticed. A mother fighting for her daughter’s education and enrolling her in a school despite opposition from the family needs to be celebrated. A woman stepping out to earn for her family needs to be celebrated. An illiterate woman seeking admission to a night school needs to be celebrated. Each of these daily acts of courage and strength needs to be applauded.
Investing in the wellbeing of women, providing equal opportunities for education, growth, and learning, ensuring proper nutrition, applauding her self-confidence and independence, enabling freedom of ‘real’ choice, respecting her decision to be a homemaker or as a career woman, etc. go a long way in creating an empowered family, a just society, a developed nation and most importantly, a happy woman. The right to be heard and valued matters, and it’s time we celebrate her contributions daily rather than just on Women’s Day. Till we reach such a day, I wish all the extraordinary ladies a Happy Women’s Day; let our grace, confidence, and wisdom shine through!
Views expressed by Seema Jhingan, Founder and Senior Partner, LexCounsel, Law Offices
